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Sandeep Sikchi AAMRAI - An Architectural Expression... (Pune)
An architectural attempt at bridging the gap between the vernacular traditional forms found in the old charm of Pune and India and the practicality of the emerging modern contemporary. Inspired by traditional sensibilities, the attempt is to successfully marry the basis parameters of architecture, context, materials and spatiality, to arrive at the unique expressions of the same. A Green Zone property in the heart of Pune city at Kothrud, home to a plantation of old mango trees, hence the name “Aamrai� (Mango Orchard).
FIRM NAME Sikchi Associates PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT Sandeep Chandrashekhar Sikchi EDUCATION/AFFILIATION B.Arch BUILT UP AREA 3500 sq.ft. (each bungalow) AWARDS AICA, ASIA 2013 Instituted by REIFY, Pune and Rachana Sansad, Mumbai TEAM SIZE 8 people CONTACT O +91 257 2234082 M +91 9822052772 E sandeep@sikchi.in
PRODUCTS/VENDORS Paint: Asian Paints Sanitaryware: Hindware CP Fittings: Grohe Furniture: Stanley, Sandy’s Designer Furniture Furnishing: Pride Furnishing Flooring: Perlato Sicilia, Viva Kitchen: Siemens Electrical: Legrand Air Conditioning: Daikin Windows: Domal Aluminium Windows CONSULTANTS/CONTRACTORS Structural: Mr. P. Sachadev Civil: Mr. Dhumal Landscape: Ar. Vikas Bhosekar HVAC: Breeze Air Plumbing: S. N. Joshi CLIENT Mr. N. S. Rathi
Left: A warm entry Right: Intersecting planes to create a frame
sustainable The visitors are greeted with two majestic wooden pillars standing on stone kumbhis. The entrance and the overall look gives the hint of a typical South Indian house but it surprises people with the modern designs when explored. The interesting part in this home is the way the plan has been configured keeping in mind the mango trees. The living room being in the middle of the house connects the dining room, kitchen and TV room, and plays a crucial role in keeping the scale of the house
“The large openings make the volume appear even greater as they admit an extraordinary quality of light into the interior spaces.�
more human and personal. The courtyard is built with rich dark wood attached to an impressive water body.
Top Left: Majestic wooden pillars mounted on stone kumbhi’s embodying the very essence of an Indian greeting Top Right: Central courtyard (atrium) acts as a binding element with motorised adjustable louvers to allow controlled natural light Bottom Left: This Gazebo binds the two bungalows to the site, surrounded by a water body and a lotus pond
Top Left: A unique shower panel made of natural sliced wooden section and exposed pipe wrapped with jute against a rugged stone (Kotah) dressed wall Top Centre: A table to pen down a few artistic notes Top Right: Re-use and transform sleeper wood sections mounted on wardrobe shutter adds a rustic touch to the interiors Bottom Left: Angular wall also acts as a projection to watch a movie / match like an outdoor theatre Bottom Right: SS rope wire suspension holds the staircase made from 2”x1” MS pipe sections, finished in sleeper wood (recycle) almost gives a floating effect
“Architecture appears for the first time when the sunlight hits the wall, the sunlight did not know how beautiful it was before it hit a wall.” - Louis Kahn
organically soothing
A serene solitude “We owe it to the fields, that the house will not be inferior of the virgin land, that we have replaced. We owe it to the worms and the trees, that the building we cover them with, stands as a promise of highest and most intelligent kinds of happiness...� - ALAIN DE BOTTON
Nature takes a front seat in the overall design of the bungalow. Lush expanses of greenery are noticed all over the area and creates a very natural allure to anyone who loves the outdoors. Materials used are earthy and cohesive with the overall design, adding continuity to the natural environment.
FLOOR PLAN
17 16
5
4
15
1
16
13
14
2
3
9
12
11
7 6
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8
FLOOR PLAN 1. ENTRANCE
13. TOILET
2. TOILET
14. GUEST BEDROOM
3. BEDROOM
15. DINING AREA
4. TOILET
16. COURTYARD
5. CHILDREN’S BEDROOM
17. LIVING ROOM
6. POOJA ROOM
18. SIT OUT
7. KITCHEN 8. UTILITY AREA 9. DRESSING ROOM 10. TOILET 11. MASTER BEDROOM 12. OPEN TO SKY SIT OUT
the challenges Only 4% built up area was allowed for construction per acre, or approximately 160.00 sq.mt. and the height of construction wasn’t to exceed 5.0 mtr. It turned out to be our greatest challenge as we had to build a huge bungalow with four bedrooms within the limited FSI available at hand, but a boon in disguise.
the influences “I got the inspiration for the house from typical South Indian houses and our modern times. These two played a major role while incepting the design.” The site was in itself the biggest inspiration. “Aamrai is like a poetry and my medium (lines) is my sketches.” - Sandeep Sikchi
TEXT CREDITS Sandeep Sikchi
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Ritesh Ramaiah
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